Editor's Note: The services have been updated from the print version.

The Honorable Donald William Snyder, 71, of Orefield, died at home, March 4, 2023, following several years of health complications. He was the husband of Nancy A. Snyder for 46 years.

As a lifelong Lehigh Valley resident, born in Greenawalds, he was proud to have spent his life engaged in various occupations and pursuits that allowed him to actively and personally give back to the local community.

He was honored to diligently represent the constituents of the Lehigh Valley’s 134th Legislative District through 20 years of service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1981-2000), including serving as House Republican Caucus Chairman from 1995 to 1996 and as House Majority Whip from 1997 until his retirement from the legislature.

From 2000 to 2013, he served as the president of Lehigh Carbon Community College where he was able to apply his knowledge and passion for education policy matters to oversee the growth of the college and meet the needs of an ever-evolving student body.

His strong community service expanded outside of his formal occupations and into his work with organizations including serving on the boards of PBS39/WLVT, the Lehigh County Historical Society, Good Shepherd, the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trail Council and supporting numerous other organizations whose missions were focused on serving and improving the community through their work.

His belief in the immeasurable value of education was notable not only through actions taken via his professional endeavors but also through his own example, as he was a graduate of Parkland High School (1969), LCCC (1971), Penn State University (1973), Lehigh University (1976), Villanova University School of Law (1982) and the Dickinson School of Law (1989).

His strong faith served as his guiding compass and he appreciated the church’s role in providing a steadfast community presence and fellowship. As a member of Jordan UCC, he held several leadership positions over the years.

He had an interest in collecting pieces for his large-scale trains with “putz” as well as in travel.

Don’s exemplary life contained many triumphs and struggles. May his passion and courage inspire us all to love deeply, serve others and live fully.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Shelly A. and her husband, John Harrison; son, Sean W. and his wife, Claire; grandchildren Wyatt, Sydney and Graham; siblings Richard J. and Susan E. Sawyer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network or the Lehigh County Historical Society, in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, 18051.

Services will be held March 11 at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road., Allentown, with calling hours 9 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., Fogelsville.